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With all the obstacles that could get in the way of a European getaway this summer -- volcanic ash, airline strikes and angry protests in the streets over the economic meltdown -- many of us might be thinking of playing it safe and staying on this side of the pond.

If you're casting about for a made-in-Canada trip, Gene Shannon, an editor at Frommer's, the popular travel guidebook company, has a few "beyond the usual" ideas.

Go north: A canoe trip through Nahanni National Park in the Northwest Territories' Dehcho region is what Shannon calls "the ultimate Canadian experience."

You don't have to be a hard-core outdoors type to visit one of the world's first UNESCO designated natural areas in the world. At 30,000 square kilometres, nearly the size of Switzerland, the pristine nature preserve is located along the South Nahanni River. Canoe enthusiasts have been paddling the wilderness waters for decades, and aboriginals have been doing the same for thousands of years. By night, it's a prime viewing spot for the northern lights. Wildlife is aplenty, but people are not with only about 800 to 900 people visiting per year. The most spectacular features of the park are Virginia Falls -- twice the height of Niagara Falls -- and four massive canyons.

Whale watching in Churchill, Manitoba: Each summer, more than 3,000 beluga whales come to feed at the mouth of the Churchill River. It's a spectacular sight and one that's easily accessible through many outfitters by Zodiac, kayak and even snorkelling adventures.

Can't get there in summer? There are also polar bear watching trips in the fall.

Maritime regatta: The Royal St. John's Regatta's claim to fame is that it's the "largest weather dependent municipal holiday that is not on a fixed date."

That's a mouthful of a title to hang your hat on, but according to Shannon it's one big party. "The whole city shuts down and 50,000 people come out," he says. "St. John's knows how to throw a party."

The historic event, which began in 1816, takes place at Quidi Vidi Lake. If the weather gods are co-operating, the rowing competition is held the first Wednesday in August -- this year Aug. 4. But the decision to hold the race isn't made until that very morning.

The main event is watching the rowing competition, but on shore it's a carnival-like atmosphere with vendors selling food and live entertainment. Meanwhile, around the same time as the regatta is happening, there are also several festivals going on, including the Labrador and Newfoundland Folk Festival.

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